Hawaii Public Radio pumps up coverage for election season

Can't get enough politics? Hawaii Public Radio is serving up a double helping. In addition to the Thursday evening "Town Square" call-in show, HPR has added "On Politics" on Tuesdays. These shows, plus some live radio debates, will run through October.

"We started the debates around 2006 and realized it was not enough," said HPR News Director Kayla Rosenfeld. "'On Politics' is a complementary program and presents the issues in more depth."

The debates are live productions from the station's Atherton Performing Arts Studio, moderated by Yoshioka, with an audience. The audience can submit written questions right up to the start of the debate. Reservations needed: 955-8821.

The debates are simulcast on KHPR 88.1 Honolulu, KKUA 90.7 Wailuku and KANO 91.1 Hilo and can also be picked up online at www.hawaiipublicradio.org.

"Listeners can phone in any time to the talk shows, at 941-3689," said Rosenfeld. "It's a conversation, not a debate. It's an interesting year for politics -- from Barack Obama running for president to what's going on in our own communities."

Although the schedule is subject to change, here's what's scheduled so far:

'On Politics'

Tomorrow: The Waipahu Community Association and Aiea/Pearl City Business Association will address community and economic issues, including the rail project. Other guests are Richard Oshiro and Larry Veray of the Waipahu and Pearl City neighborhood boards.

Aug. 26: Guests include the Hawaii Community Development Association -- Rick Egged of the Waikiki Improvement Association as well as Francis Blanco, Bob Oda and Lou Erteschik -- addressing the Kakaako Improvement Association and Waikiki Neighborhood Board.

Sept. 9: The topic is "Older Politicians and the Changes They've Seen or Feel Are Needed." Also, Ira Rohter, Neal Milner and Chris McNally will discuss the two-party system.

Sept. 23: Kevin Cronin, Jerry Burris and Dan Boylan will discuss the results of the primary election and changing demographics.

Sept. 30: Eric Takamura of the city Department of Environmental Services and homeless advocate Alice Greenwood will talk about homelessness. Other guests will be Patty Teruya of the Maile/Nanakuli Neighborhood Board, Maeda Timson of the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale board and Georgette Jordan of Waianae, on Leeward issues.